Interview with Phillip Wilson, September 15, 2022

Interview Summary

Philip Wilson served in Kenya, 1967-1968, in education. When eight, Philip contracted polio, leaving him without the use of his arms and left hand. During training at Columbia in NYC, Philip was advised the Kenya Consulate rejected him as a schoolteacher. Peace Corps Kenya found him a position in a non-government-supported Harambee school (“pull together” or self-help school), Kanjuri, near Nyeri. There Philip taught English and history to 100 boys. Initially Philip was approved for “limited duty.” He came to view this ironically as he worked a full schedule in a school without amenities. He is proud that his students did well. Philip met his wife in Kenya. In 2008, he returned to his site and participated in an assembly with his former headmaster where they advocated for educating disabled children. Though challenging, Philip said he gained self-confidence in PC and “was more able” when he returned home.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Kenya (Country of service) 1967-1968 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Kenya Uganda Tanzania Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Peace Corps (U.S.)– Recruitment and intake Swahili Disabled persons

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